Deer Creek Deer Creek Deer Creek
If you are going to camp at the onsite camping area, keep in mind there is little shade to be had. I stayed there for Phil last year, and Indiana can get quite hot/humid. Right now it is
incredibly humid over here in the Midwest.
To folks coming out of CO., it will feel like a sauna, because it is a suana.

*Throws a Big Hissy Fit* i wanted to start this topic darnit ....my 1rst phil show and all ..


lol ..oh well .. ill take care of the Pine Knob Thread ....


Cant Wait ....man i dont want to pay like 55.00 to camp at the Onsite camping place..

is there any places cheaper..


peace.

There are plenty of places to camp around deer creek. I usually camp at riverbend campgrounds, but there are a number of places.

Peace

i agree %100 with that statment about the heat. i'm in Illinois now and can't take it!!! However, Phil & SCI will make it all better!!!

Last year Phil played the day before Phish(three nights) so there were tons more people and camp grounds all over. I don't know how many of them will be open this time but you will see them all as soon as you get there. Take your pick. SEE YOU ALL AT ALPINE AND THE CREEK!!!!!

By the way where did you hear it was $55???? last year i paid $10 per day @ Green Acers camp ground(short walk for the Creek)

hey now!

Anyone know how harsh folks will be about attempting to tape from inside the pavilion? I got 10th row seats, and would love to set up my stand ~6ft and do it from there.... Anyone know if this will get me busted?

peace,
Chris

I would say so. You need a tapers ticket. Find one in the lot.

Eyes of the World has never been played at Deer Creek. Go figure.

Any ideas on how to pass this info onto Phil??
It would be so sweet to end this injustice ;O)

no idea, but WOULD LOVE TO HEAR EYES!!!! now i'm gonna be think of that durring the whole show!! lol

Has P&F played EYES in their past few tours??? i haven't noticed, but i'm also not the most observant person in the world...........Wake now discover.........

They played Eyes last Friday at Red Rocks early in the second set and it was a great version with beautiful vocals and outstanding guitar/piano work.

I want to hear a Cream Puff War. or a "you dont have to ask"


Peace

For clarification, Eyes has never been played at Deer Creek by anybody.....Dead, P&F, OtherOnes, etc. After all these years, one would think.....

Eyes would be really nice to hear. I'm also hoping for a HC Sunshine and/or a Cumberland!! And how about a Loose Lucy or Liberty?? I think Rob or Warren could handle the vocals nicely on either of those!

Taper's ticket??? I thought it was a free for all in the lawn...that is what phil's site implied. His site and GDTToo don't mention it now. Anyone know for sure?

i just remember something. last year P&F played at the Creek on a Sunday as well, and when i got there i was shocked to find out that the state of Indiana DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL ON SUNDAYS. i don't know who this means anything to, but for those of you comming from Alpine you should plan on making a pit stop in Ill. or Wis. before going to the Creek. Hopefully you can benefit from my mistake!!

the weather report as of Thur. says clear sky's in the mid/low 80's for this weekend!!!!!! could we ask form anything more?????

see ya all there!!
enjoy ;-)
peace

If any of you folks going to Deer Creek run into my friend Waterhill--Please make sure he's having a good time =/;~)
Tell him Don A sent ya!
Have fun Sean!!

Set 1:
Jam>Soulshine>Jam>ChinaCat>Birdsong>Jam
(Lovelighttease)>BlueSky,Scarlet

Set II Thanx Dewit!! And whoever called you!
Jam >
Morning Dew >
She Said >
Stronger Than Dirt >
Sugaree >
Jam >
Terrapin >
Rider
E: Stella Blue

Set 2: Jam>AMDew>SheSaid>Dirt>Marbles>Sugaree>Jam>Terrapin>Rider Enc:Stella

Morning Dew!!!

Who did vocals on this one?

Phil sings Dew

anyone have the Warren set?

Part 1
Still clearing my head…going to put off work for 1 more hour. Had a great time last night. Very chill crowd, plenty of room on the lawn, lots of smiling faces.

Let me preface by saying I’m fairly inexperienced when it comes to Grateful Dead music…anyways. Soulshine – not familiar with this one but really liked it. Is this a cover? – it had an Allman feel to it. Warren did an excellent job on the vocals and this got everybody moving.
China Cat – nice. I believe Rob took vocals on this and there was some really good back and forth playing between Haynes and Herring. This song was one of the few this night where it just didn’t “feel” right to me without Jerry. I don’t want to diminish anything these guys are doing because it’s wonderful but for me personally it’s just doesn’t seem right. Very nice transition into
Bird Song – one of my favorites…really did not expect to hear this. Surprisingly I didn’t feel the same way about this one as China Cat (Jerry has to sing it) – I enjoyed Phil’s vocals on this…how far has HE come in singing? Phil’s really doing a good job on vocals and it’s touching to see him belting out those lyrics after all he’s been through – so happy he got his second chance.
Blue Sky – this one spread a lot of smiles around and was a nice counter to the darker Bird Song. Played very well and the crowd appreciated it. Continued on the sun/sky/nature theme that kind of ran through the whole first set. A more somber theme ran through the second…

Let me say now how absolutely wonderful and uncharacteristic the weather was for this show – and maybe that affected the song selection. A few wispy clouds in a big-ass Indiana blue sky with almost no humidity – sure it got hot in the sun, but for mid-July it was stunning and we got some gorgeous colors on the horizon when the sun went down.

Scarlet Begonias – another crowd pleaser, well played by my ears and kept the upbeat, Summer theme going. Two thumbs up to Phil’s singing again – EVERYBODY was dancing on this one and great response on the “tea for two” part – the band wasn’t holding back and kept pulling us along. Wasn’t ready for setbreak but it’s gotta happen sometime. Seemed like a longish break…

Part 2
Morning Dew – I hate to be repetitive but nice job again by Phil on vocals here. This was a real treat for me because it’s one of my favorites and I had never heard it live. A more somber start (and it continues) to this set but well played and the smoke was rolling during this one.

She Said She Said – wow. Maybe it’s because I hadn’t checked any of the setlists from this tour but I just kept getting pleasantly surprised by the song selection…such a treat. Warren, Jimmy, and Rob were locked in on this one and the group vocals were superb.

Stronger than Dirt & King Solomon’s Marbles – I plead total and complete ignorance here. I didn’t leave or start having a bad time so it musta been pretty good. 8-)

Sugaree – yes! Hoping for this one and had heard a great version driving into the venue. I’ve always loved those bluesy romps and this gave the band a chance to dig in and have some fun with the start/stop stuff. Again, excellent work by Mr. Haynes on vocals. I particularly liked the jam on this one, it never seemed to lose steam (some of the others did at times) and the crowd was giving it back on this one too.

Terrapin Station – love the song, they played it well but this is a Jerry song for me (my opinion). It was nice to hear but just didn’t feel right to me. Concentrated on Phil’s bass lines for this one and that made me smile, he’s the man. Interesting segue into…

Rider – Great song but I think I’ve heard it too much. However, Jimmy and Warren’s playing made it new for me, some great licks in there. Didn’t care for this one as a closer but just being selfish cause I wanted it to keep going.

Stella Blue – NOBODY can or should play this song – that’s what I might have said BEFORE I heard last night’s version which was truly a thing of beauty. Warren nailed the vocals better than I would have ever thought. He restrained some of that southern soul and put an introspective touch on his voice that almost brought me to tears. So many of you have been lucky enough to hear Jerry sing this, I’ve only heard it on tape but it was just beautiful – so well played and I was just speechless.

Overview – I had a great time and most of my fears of “this is a lame GD cover band” were erased. Like I said, there were a few vocals that I can’t hear without Jerry’s voice and a few of the jams kind of petered out but those were in the minority. These guys are very comfortable on stage with each other and the talent is oozing off the stage. Warren gets my MVP for the evening with Phil getting runner-up for some unexpectedly powerful vocals. Jimmy had great chops but Warren seemed to step up more. It was a real treat to see them enjoying themselves – and they deserve it because what they are doing goes much beyond “rehashing”, they’re stretching those old familiar sounds into uncharted territory and breathing new life into the music many of us love to hear. Though Phil is constructing setlists that are obviously crowd-pleasing, he is also facilitating a “stepping out” of the comfort zone with interesting segues and jams that strive for new ground – as with all improv it doesn’t always work but when it does…I’m just sorry I can’t make another show this tour but I’ve got a great one to remember. Thanks Phil & Friends!

And let’s hear from some folks with more experience, who can really dig into these songs better, my review is so general. I love reading (but can’t write) the ones that really get into the songs and how they flowed.

Take care,
Brian

Brian:
Soulshine is an Allman Brothers tune from Back Where it All Began. I have seen this tune with both Phil and the Allmans and find it refreshing every time (especially the reggae version played at Roseland at the end of the spring tour).

Your perspective on the "Jerry" tunes seems more personal than philosophical. To criticize the Phil sung Terrapin and the Rob version of China Cat does not really square with your acceptance of Warren's version of Stella and Sugaree. Sugaree was Jerry's tune played in both JGB and GD and Stella was always Jerry's spotlight. Open yourselves up to the music and do not constrain yourself to a preconceived notion based on your experience with the Dead. This is a band doing something totally unique with songs we all love and has proven time and again they are not a lame cover band. The songs are a launching pad for incredible jams.

Finally, I found that your enjoyment of Phil's vocals seems based more on nostalgia than anything else. I hate to be critical of this band especially since I will see them whenever and wherever I get the chance, but I must make this point. You note that Phil has come a long way in his singing--but from where? Having cringed through versions of Days Between and Foolish Heart with Phil leading, I find his vocals to be marginal at best. Listen to the version of Wolfman's Brother now available on line and note the difference between Phil alone and Phil when harmonized with Rob and Warren (both of whom are superior singers). Indeed, some of the best work Phil does with this band is when they are hamonizing (like on Dark Star).

Sorry to be so long-winded but I did want to comment. i can't wait until Jones Beach (but have SCI first in central Park)

GJC,

thanks for the feedback and the Allman info, i really like hearing how different people interpret shows and i hope others put in their 2 cents on this fine Deer Creek show.

The voice thing is weird, the more I think about it. You have a great point in asking "why does this song sound pleasing to you without Jer singing while this other one doesn't" I guess it's just personal feelings. Also, I'm sure I would have a different perspective had I seen more than 2 Dead shows.

On Phil's voice...I don't know...before the show I would have said "Phil singing Morning Dew or Bird Song? please no." There are times when his voice does not sound good. But I really enjoyed it and think the lead role has helped improve his singing. I also agree that his best vocal role is in harmonizing with others...I was just pleasantly surprised that I wasn't cringing during those songs.

I think a point we both make that ends up being the most important is that these tickets are well worth the cash. Folks, go see them!

Thanks again for your response GJC.

Hope everyone has a blast on the rest of tour...

Regarding Phil's voice:
Having gone to ten P&F shows thus far, I don't find Phil's voice all that bad. It does take a little getting used to, but like Bob Dylan, Phil's voice has weathered with age. He does do best singing the bass harmony parts, yet I do enjoy his singing, especially on his own material, and also he does justice to Jerry's songs. For those of you who are looking for pure voiced singing, even Jerry sang a bit gravel voiced from the mid-80s on. And yes sometimes Phil is a little hard to make out....i.e. Cryptical, but then again that lyric isn't an easy one and I think if it is a bit muddled it fits the song title. :) Phil sings fairly strongly for his range, and I personally feel he keeps improving the nuances of his voice. I think there are many country singers out there that are more opaque vocally than Phil. Besides, I cannot picture Bobby or even Vince singing Days Between with more sincerity or conviction. I heard Phil do it in Milwaukee in 99 and it was a magical moment. So quit ragging on the guy. I'm still waiting for the day when Neil Young guests with Phil. That would prove an interesting mix :)

Phil's voice is definitely a mixed bag. There are
some songs he does well, and others you wish he
wouldn't sing. I will give him credit, though,
for realizing his limitations and making some
changes in vocals for PLQ. I agree with GJC that
Phil sounds better when harmonizing than when
singing lead, and he seems to have arranged more
songs in this fashion. You know, group harmony
for most of the vocal with Phil singing just the
last line alone or something similar. He's also
spread out the vocal chores more, an example being
Dark Star where each of the vocalists sings a line
before the three-part harmony on "Shall we go..."
Phil is also picking songs that the others sing,
Warren's contributions of Mule/Allman songs such
as Soulshine being one instance and Rob's
increased vocals being another.

There are times when Phil's voice makes me cringe.
There are other times when his emotions carry
through and you can be genuinely moved by his
singing. But, when it all comes down to it I
don't go to see PLQ (nor did I go to see the Dead,
for that matter) for the vocal skills of the
performers. I want to see jamming, and PLQ
delivers on that in spades. I am getting very
psyched for Great Woods this Friday (2nd row dfc!)
and the New Jersey shows the week after that. If
Phil's vocals are totally off, I probably won't
care all that much.

Just got home from the Creek.
I have seen every Dead/Furthur/Phil & Friends
at the Creek. From 89 on, the Creek is the Midwest's Greek, enough said. Last nights show was the best show I've ever seen there, no kidding. I did not dose, take X, or chase the dragon. The music that was played by those guys last night floored me. I was DEAD center just behind the soundboard most of the night, a super sweet spot. Phil's bass carried such force, it was in your chest cavity. For as good a Haynes is, Herring is fucking better. His guitar work was astounding, simply astounding. Barocco is a player, and we all know that Molo could jam on a mason jar. The King's Solomons was sick, sick, sick. Terrapin was ripped to sheds, then sewn back together. Right as they went into Soulshine, the sun broke out of the clouds and blanketed the crowd, so sweet. Phil adjusted the gender of Birdsong, "something like a bird within' him sang etc." He sang Dew 100 times better than I'd heard from previous.
The biggest part is when Phil, Rob, and Warren sing together. Their harmonies are incredible.
Down the road brothers and sisters, get down that road.

I'm glad I don't give a crap about the vocals - Just jam, baby!

But I must admit I did miss Jerry when I saw Morning Dew.

Warren wrote Soulshine while in ABB, just never sang it, go figure...actually, don't waste the energy. The song kicks butt, does it not, all reggaed out!!!

I just got back from a little run (Somerset to Deer Creek) & last nite was easily the sweetest nite to catch the band. Like Tree said, the Terrapin was drop out, knock down, brain splitting! They could've stopped there but they just kept tearing it up! After the first set, I knew they would've had to pull some big tunes out of that bag of tricks of theirs' and they did! That Stronger than Dirt>King Solomon's Marbles just floored me! I gotta hear the tape just to see what the hell happened! That was a fast ride, like a rollercoaster...I felt like that "headlight on a northbound train" just racing into the Philzone... These guys took the songs that make us Deadheads smile and make them new and exciting again. They don't just replay the old hits, but are recreating everything with new life, like a second chance...This was a great experience & the music was more exciting than any Dead show I caught. It was nice to see P+F show the younger generation that the music from that other band can still rock hard... I think these guys are playing topnotch music and are only getting better.. It will be fun to see what happens next!

just got home from deer creek and alpine. the vibe i got from everyone in the lot was that as good as a show alpine was the creek would be better....and that it was!! i loved the reggae twist they put into soulshine. it had everone jammin right from the start. the great sound system of the creek really made a difference. Warren's voice was crisp and clear durring a great Blue Sky and i really got into Scarlet with phil on the vocals.
I could have never predicted a morning dew to start off the second set but it was the best version i have ever heard. phil voice howled into the night on what seemed like a 15 min. version. It was a clear indication that the second set was about to blow up! King Solomon was just a crazy jam that went all over, up and down, side to side, zig and zag, you name it! Sugaree was a nice song that had just about everyone there singing along. again, warren hit the vocals right on target. I loved how his guitar seemed to cry on every cord he played. Terrapin was pritty cool. the best part was Barocco on the piano. he was amazing all night but had me hanging on every note durring Terrapin. I left the show with a lot of love for his style of keys. I Know You Rider was a fitting way to end the set, "gonna miss me when i'm gone."
All in all it was a great time for all. hope everyone enjoyed it as much as i did. peace

maybe the greek is the westcoast creek.

Just got back from the creek and man was I blown away. Last night was my first phil show and the first time I've had a chance to listen to any of the stuff they have been playing. Incredible that all I have to say. I havn't seen a band that is able to flow so easily from one jam to the next. The opener for the first set blew me away. The way warren and herring play together is amazine passing the lead back and forth. I have seen Warren play with the allmand brothers earlier this summer but he sonds much better playuing with phil. He sounds good playing next to Derrik Trucks also but they just don't have the sound that I heard last night. I noticed a couple times during the show when hanes was playing slide that he sounded almost identicle to what I have heard trucks play with the Allmand Bro. As much as I liked what warren was doing last night I enjoyed what herring was doing even more. There were many times I thought warren was the one playing the lead and then I would realize that it was herring. Hopefully Phil will keep playing with these guys and make it a permanent thing. Who knows maybe the'll start comming out with some new material of their own.

Phil does a great Days Between and Broken Arrow, As well as back-up on Acadian Driftwood. He really adds to that songs mix.

Sounds like a great show (need more reviews) and I know I should listen to the show before responding, . . . . but, in response to tree's post, this must have been the EPIC P&F show to even compare to some of the Dead's Deer Creek shows (saw all Dead Deer Creek shows from '89 till '95, except for the '93 run). Listen to 7/18/90, for example. Looking forward to the East Coast Run, -CES

I love Phil and I saw the Deer Creek show, but I thought that all of there jams are pretty generic. they need someone to call out specific stops, starts, and changes the way that Bobby used to do otherwise they just get stuck in the same repetitive jam. also, I think that jimmy herring holds back his true style in order to fit into the perameters of a Phil and friends band. when he is playing with other bands he plays like John Mclaughlin. i just wish that he felt comfortable enough to open himself up in this band. dont get me wrong i really enjoyed the show, but i except this band for what they are. i hope that they can keep on growing and eventually blossom into a truly great band, but for right now they are just a very good one. also, if anyone caught any Jazz is Dead shows on the first tour with Billy Cobham, theyre king solomons marbles was better. it felt like jimmy took a lot more control then. listen to the tapes. i will always continue to see whatever band Phil puts out on the stage, but i will also always hope that they get better and better.

CC I was there in 90-91. What'dya think of those shows.

>they need someone to call out
specific stops, starts, and changes the way that Bobby used to do


god...i hated it when bobby did that.

>>>they need someone to call out
specific stops, starts, and changes the way that Bobby used to do otherwise they just get stuck in the same repetitive jam<<

They do. His name is Phil. You can hear him counting off for changes in song, key, and tempo. It doesnt happen as quickly or obviously as Bobby did, because Phil lets the jams go longer, and they dont play as many songs with the mandatory changes, i.e., Estimated, Saint of Circumstance, Let it Grow. As 'loose' as the Dead were, and as goofy as some of his song structures, Bobby had to call those changes, although in the normal course of events he did it way to soon. (Has anyone ever thought "that Estimated jam was way too hot, Bobby should have cut it off and gotten to the nah nah nahs much sooner"?)

>although in the normal course of events he did it way to soon

exactly

Hey BuffBill: 90-91 Deer Creek were certainly some of my favorite years at Deer Creek. Check out the Help->slip->frank's, the peggy-o and the other one->a.m. dew from 7/18/90. EVERYONE WAS ON. The energy level at that show from all involved (Band, fans, weather, etc.) was so high, that the 7/19/90 show was so laid back, but so well played. Highlights included a tight, but so-mellow-it's hot Jack Straw (w/Bob sticking in a "that's right" in between lines)->TLEO opener, Althea, a Victim (generally not a favorite) that melts completely into nothing, then into a great laid-back Foolish, and pre-drums China Doll->UJB. AND '91 has one of the sickest Jerry-blow-out-vocal-and-lead-guitar-combo Standing on the Moons I know of. What'dya think?

this is no nostalgia act, these guys are crankin' it out. buy a tic and go!

The Creeks of 1990 were by far the best of the Dead's
1991 was not to shabby either.
Phil has raised, and is raising the bar.
I think last nights show was a an "ON"
night for the guys in the band.
The crowd was obviously reved up pretty good too.
I say that Phil & Buds last night, song for song,
note for note, was like 90 and 91 combined.
I bet people with pacemakers that were there were fearing for their lives. Oh and SCI, they were fuckin' great too. Haynes sat in with them on a killer version of Pretty Polly. Kang and Haynes went off on each other, far out shit. Whacky stuff kids.

Nice to see some reviews in the review threads!

well my 1rst phil show blew me away
....even though i took my dose to earley and peaked during 1rst set .. but 2nd set maid it ok .....moring dew blew me away ...

intence jamming ...wow ...


we stayed at Deadcreek camp ground ...we were the pepole with the 3 dogs ..1 huge ass one that tried to tear the tires off every car ...and barked alot ... so sorry about them ..they are my brothers dogs ..and didnt know he was bringing them ....


peace.

see yall at pine knob

last nights show at deercreek kicked ass!!! i pulled a neck muscle the day before and could barely turn my head. plus i had to go to work early the next morning so i decided to abstain from hallucinagins for this show. but i swear to god i felt like i was trippin' more than once during this phenominal show. highlights were... who am i kidding, the whole fuckin' show was a highlight!!! the setlist was fantastic, the playing was out of this world and the weather and overall vibe was perfect. phils vocals are better than ever and i could feel every note he played. and the guitars were as good as it gets. i already knew haynes was a guitar god but in my opinion herring is just as good. this is my first ever review and i'm not sure what i can say to do this show justice. i went to work this morning after 3 hours sleep and i still couldn't stop smiling. i can't wait till wednesday. i have the next day off and can party more but after last night maybe i should stay straight... nahhh! peace all!

a.m. dew cc, now i've heard everything. now that's the

setlist note: the Stronger Than Dirt>Marbles ended with a stop (and wild roar), and Rob stood up and was like sharing amazement with Jimmy + John Molo(? what a work out for our drummer!) and catching his breath, while we were spinning too.

It seemed Phil sang a verse in Blue Sky. Oh, Warren sat in on 2 long SCI songs. Nice set! Then M Kang was back off stage right for Phil set 1, perhaps at SBD during break, set 2 in aud left front with son briefly (Sugaree?), but NOT on stage playing with Phil. Phil's sons were on back corner of the stage set 1 (Jill too), don't remember later.

I have seen multiple shows on all East Coast tours, plus Colo Sessions 99 shows. Creek She Said was more powerfully driven and continuiously pounding forward that I had seen (first one this year for me). Sugaree went on and up and up ,then slowed down for a verse, then climbed again, higher, then ... for a long joy ride! Terrapin was incredible, taking plenty of time to get to various parts, and also (it seemed to me) that most included jams better related to themes, less wild wandering but still wandering and sometimes having to bring it back for the next section of song. A most excellent version!!

I wish I had seen (or asked) for setlist from the night before (when we had our tent up already). After China Cat the jam could have gone into Rider, it was not being pressed, and then a little Elevenish sound, that did not last long, they kept going stong and elsewhere, winding down slower for next song instead, and I thought maybe Rider to end set 1 later?? In the jam that eventually preceded Rider, it seemed like, and the guy next to me called GDTRFB, I even agreed but said I'd rather have Mason's, then learned I missed it by a day (and now see Eleven was not likely either).

The Morning Dew was my first since Baltamore 11/99, and it instead resembled a more classic early 70's version (in feeling and pace), with power felt even in the slower parts where the tension remained, then poured on for the next jam peak. The light show really came alive for this song too. And so they built that very nicely and delivered us a jolt to start set 2 with wonder. The wonder continued.... and then much later the encore ended so softly, the Stella and their playing slowed and just got quiet for a beuatiful end of this show. They had no need to rock it out or hold and feedback final chords for a show end climax.

Thanx to all heads from many states who helped my visit & show sharing their spirit. Hope some of you travel east too.

How is it that every show is the best ever in someones mind. Just reading the reviews of the tour it seems they must be getting better every night. Since I only saw Berkeley and Red Rocks I now feel cheated.

Brian, I think we all go through a phase where we loved and identified Jerry's voice with certain songs, then hear someone else sing instead and it just seems to pull at our heart. Maybe that even happens at more than one period, or again & again? For me, back in 1996 hearing Robert Hunter sing Days Between brought that feeling and a swell up of reflection and thinking of Jerry. (and it is a Hunter tune too). If some are just now hearing some good old tunes with different voices, it is different, but I think you will adjust! Now, still, I do miss Jerry. But should we want to miss the fun of his songs live? I miss Pigpen too, but Lovelight, Smokestack, Good Loving, Midnight Hour, Viola Lee, and even Mr Charlie did not stop being played and sung with his death. And some Brent songs are still sung. That is part of the way things happen.

Hey all,

Sounds like the show was hot, and Phil was rockin'. I can't wait til hershey. Just a question though, I'm heading out to the Creek to catch Trey next weekend. What was the camping scene like? Did a lot of farmers hold off since it wasn't a multi-night run?

Thanks! And keep the good vibes comin'...

Aaron

Wow, last night was my first "Phil & Friends" show. It will not be my last. I've seen the Other Ones, Ratdog, and the Dead, and last night was something all together different. I mean, Phil is doing things to this music that hasn't been done. The jams are incredible, and different than the Dead jams ever were (not necessarily better, but different -- those who were there agree or am I crazy?) They are more intense and certainly appear riskier -- its fun.

The first set was beautiful. I mean, first, the weather was incredile, inviting blue sky, the sun casting this wonderful auburn glow, seeming to fight to stay awake before receding into darkness, and Phil playing these great "summer" songs: China Cat, Bird Song, Allman Bros- Soulshine, BlueSky, and then a really hot Scarlet. (the whole lawn seemed to be dancing in unison)

The second set was different. I think the "Jerry voice" comments aren't meant disrespectful, only that it was hard not to think of Jerry as these songs were played. I mean, when was the last time anyone heard Morning Dew, Terrapin Station, and Stella Blue in one set? I was terrified that after Stella Blue, Phil was going to do one more encore -- Black Muddy River, it was that kind of night for me.

And they were played well, the jam during Terrapin was crazy! "Ripped to shreds, then sewn back together" can't say it better myself. WOW. I'm still smiling :)

I have been rather delinquent. To the wonderful guy who called me with the sets for this show, thank you and thanks from everyone in that night. It was a blast!!! Two things, what is your name, because you never told me and I couldn't thank you the right way, and...the Stella was amazing, just amazing. Will get a copy of the show to you if you email me-that Stella is gonna stick for awhile, and the usual suspects were very psyched about your calls, will be doing the same for a few of them, figured I would mix it up starting in Hartford-glad you had such a wonderful show.

Hey Now!

I felt like the scene at deercreek was big time good vibes from all the kids and I was loving just trippin around checkin with all the fam's. Lovin it! So, I headed in early and caught Warren play some amazing solo acoustic blues full of soul and just beautiful spirituals...first tune was like who was John, he was a writer, you right my name down John, those angels came from heaven down, see who would wear the crown, seal up your book ol John, dont you write no more...ya'll know that ol dead tune...anyway that was the vibe I got from Warren and he is comin out with a album of solo acoustic stuff...it ripped...dude blows my mind cause he just plays and plays! So, then the Cheese came out and laid down a killa groove got everybody dancing, Warren the marathon man Hayes came out and ripped shit up and it was all smiles around the decks!...Then out came the Phil band after a bunch o bowls and hangin in the shade with some groovies and I love how they just come out jammin and let the music take em into something which was Soulshine, better than moonshine, sure as hells better than rain, then it just was all over the place and I was loving life...it's true sometimes they evoke Jer in the tunes and ya remember how much we all loved that guy and miss him...but to me that's as it should be...lead with love ya'll...so, the marbles for me was sick and just dead on and I was loving the she said scarlet ripped good and the terrapin caught me star gazing which was right on...venus, saturn, jupiter and andromeda and mercury are all visible in the night sky through now at dawn...trippin...just got Philled up and loved it and made me want to bag my job and go on tour!
Peace out Peeps

Decided Friday night after a long post Phil at Red Rocks week of work to try for plane tickets to Chicago so Mrs. Katzman and I could attend Alpine and Deer Creek. Somehow, it all came together and at 6:00 AM Saturday we were on the plane.

Arrived at Alpine early so we were able to enjoy the special atmosphere there both in the lot and inside. My first time there and it was a beautiful place and great experience. heard there were some problems with authorities in the lot but did not really witness anything too bad except for the one dude who got a $400 ticket for smoking pot.

The show was great. Claypool is not really to my taste but have seen him twice now and he entertained me pretty well both times. He is certainly very funny whether you like him musically or not.

String Cheese show was a little flat I thought but have seen them several times and they seem to be better as headliner where they can stretch out and really play a full show which for them is a two setter which always includes some interesting cover stuff like beatles tunes or Weather Report/Birdland.

Phil show was great, a real flat out rocker from beginning to end. I was pretty close, and I agree that it was a little loud for me, almost made it difficult to hear the creativity sometimes but all in all a great show. Have not heard anybody mention the short Birdland tease by Phil during the show, although I can't remember exactly where in the show it was placed, it was very clear. Thought maybe we would get a Cheese/Phil collaboration sometime on that tune.

Anyway, after the show it was into the car for the road to Deer Creek. Another nice venue with totally different feel than Alpine. Alpine more like an old time hippie gathering place, while Deer Creek more like a new age somewhat Yuppie environment(no judgement in that, I am an old time hippie who could be viewed from a certain perspective as a yuppie although I certainly don't define myself that way)but it is certainly not a crime or in any way evil to have a job and make good money.

Liked Deer Creek as a venue as well. Short Warren acoustic set was good, he played some of the same tunes PLQ does like 1000 Stars, don't remember full set list but there were a couple of other of these.

Cheese show was much better from my standpoint than at Alpine. They seemed more inspired and more lively, Warren joined them for two extended tunes during their set and these were the highlight for me.

Phil then takes the stage and from very beginning, it will be a different sort of show than Alpine. Mellower feel with totaly different type of song selection but every bit as inspired and beautiful, if not more so. Much less full out rocking but more creativity and sheer beauty. Second set with Morning Dew opener, Terrapin middle and Stella encore was just amazing. Some people I have talked to don't like the new Terrapin ending which has a much more upbeat, faster feel than the standard guitar riffs but it is one of the things I like most about this band, they create, chnange things, take chances. It is why they succeed in being inspirational so often and why they surprise and sometimes disappoint some people as well.

My first time at both these venues and had a great time, loved both. I thought after the Friday and Saturday shows at R Rocks, it couldn't get any better but I discovered that this band is magical no matter where they play. Go see them if you love the music because they do it as well as it can be done given the current circumstances of life and death.

Anyway, had to beat feet to O'Hare immediately after the show for my 6:00 AM flight back to Denver and here I am after a day of sleep Monday back at my desk wishing I could do another leg of this tour. Oh well, maybe in the fall.

Everybody who has a show or a run of shows coming, I envy you and wish I could be there. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

Phil did sing a verse of Blue Sky and the Creek show was very good. Have not seen or heard any of the West Coast shows to compare but if this show represents what they're doing then I may have to do a Fall run if they schedule it. There were a couple points where jams ran out of steam (it's gonna happen) and one time it just sounded like a bunch of noise (to my ears, and it was actually kinda funny) but I was truly amazed by this band. Smooth segues, tight improv, and great listening to each other up on stage. This group can only get better as they play together more (and let's hope they do) given their individual talents. No weak links here. Have fun at your next show! Thanks P & F!

Charlies, You hit it on the head. 7/18/90 was bigtime. I always throw up after a great show and I threw up a lot after that one. An 11-song first set, in 1990, beginning with Help on the Way. Come on. And a second set that included Terrapin, Other One and Morning Dew with an early on Weight encore. Come On. That Other One, Morning Dew ending was majestic. Come On. It's funny. I remember walking out and some guy walks past and says "not bad but only two songs after drums, too short." Just goes to show. Agree again after that night that the second night was just a relaxer yet there were great songs. I mean Victim, Foolish, Playin/China Doll/Uncle Johns before drums is nothing to sneeze at. Great two shows. I wasn't crazy about 91 though. Nothing wrong with it, just nothing special in my mind. Didn't throw up at all in 91.

Arron Hawley:

the camping scene was smaller then Phish last year. it was still pritty cool though. yes, some of the farmers didn't open up their field, but there was room for all who wanted to camp. i stayed at dead creek this time and had enough room to relax and party with other campers by us. it was a little more chill, but i liked it. I will see you at Trey. hope you enjoy it. i'll probably end up at dead creek again.
peace

Phil & Friends
Deer Creek
7-15-01

Got to the Creek early so to get a close campground. Could not afford the official Deer Creek, I mean Verizon Wireless, Coors Light, Moterola, Camel Cigerettes Music Center but found a guy 1/2 mile away that was letting people camp for $10 plus all the free beer you could drink. Not a bad deal at all. Very kind people there with no hastles whatsoever. String Cheese played from about 5-6:30. First time I've seen SCI and was a little disappointed. Have heard nothing but rave reviews about this band, and while good, they did not blow me away. I will have to say that Michael Kang did have some outstanding moments. Warren Haynes joined them for a couple of songs.

Set I
Phil took stage at about 7:15 and opened with a nice jam that lasted about 8 minutes and led into Soulshine. Although this is not one of my favorite P&F songs, they did this one justice. Warren's voice and guitar licks where nice and this is the best Soulshine I've heard P&F perform. This led into China Cat. Warren and Jimmy played the dueling guitar intro to a tee. A jam followed and led into a sweet Birdsong. Durring the show I wrote down the Lovelight tease, but could not find anyone else who heard it. It was short and played by Phil. The jamming slowed down, but did not stop. Blue Sky came from what seemed like nowhere. Blue Sky had the whole arena dancin' and having a good time. Music stopped for the first time all set and Scarlet Begonias closed out the feel good first set. It was a set filled with good song selection and some nice flowing jams.

Set II
This set made the whole show worth it. The band came back for the second set at about 9:05 and opened with a nice jam that had a very jazzy feel to it. About 10 minutes into the jam Morning Dew came out. In the past I have not cared how Phil sings this tune, but he sang with a lot of emotion. Warren's guitar work with this song was out there. He gave it a very spacey vibe playing a lot with the slide. She Said is a pure rock and roll song. Warren's raspy voice does this one a great deal of justice. Stronger than Dirt > King Solomon's jam was way out there. Once again Warren and Jimmy's guitar work was outstanding. Sometimes it was like one was echoing off the other, as they do quite well. Sugaree was very sweet with some more tight jamming. A Jam followed that led to the high point of the evening for me. Terrapin Station started with the familiar P&F intro (similar to the studio version of this one). Phil's vocals were heart felt as he sung with the same conviction as with Dew. But the jam at the end kept going and going and going. The whole band was plaing their part, Rob with a strong piano sound, Warren and Jimmy "taunting" each other, and Molo, enough said. The jam lead into the set closing I Know You Rider. It was a nice closer, but did lack a strong "sun gonna shine" and "headligt" verse. The band left the stage just before 10:40. It took a good 5 minutes for Phil to come back on stage after several Not Fade Away chants from the croud. He did his organ doner rap and introduced the band. The cround got very quiet while Phil was speaking. From that quiet slowly started out Stella Blue. I have heard few Stella's that could rival this version. This was Warren's best playing all night (in my opinion) in both his guitar work and especially in his vocals. The song took us right up to curfew and I left smilin'!

Went back to camp, had a night cap or two or three, but whose counting. I think that this band has come together and is much stronger and more confident that last summer's P&F adventure. Warren adds to this band and takes it to a new level. His guitar work is at times bluesy, then spacey, then pure rock and roll. His voice does the Jerry songs, especially the ballads, justice. His work with the entire second set blew me away. Here's to Phil and his Friends. Hope you guys can keep on touring as this is the best line up Phil has ever put together.(again, in my opinion)

Scalia,
That was a perfect analogy about the Estimated thing........Pretty much sums up all my gripes in life!!!

Dave,

Nice review. There was definitely a Lovelight tease by Phil during the first set. The night before at Alpine too... I really enjoyed the Blue Sky and the jam into china cat was beautiful. The dancing during china cat was amazing. There wasn't a person in the place that wasn't completely into it. Totally agree with you about the IKYR lacking on the headlight verse. You can just tell that everyone is ready to go nuts during that line, but then it's just harmonized. I guess it's kind of a tribute to Jerry or something...but the show was great all around. Not as intense as Alpine, but just as amazing.

By the way, WARREN IS THE MAN!!!!

Peace,
Eric

Deer Creek:

Was a great show. I heard many more songs I needed to hear at this one. Coming from my place in Chi, we where quite pooped but happy to be there (as expected). We pulled up to the camp site around 4:30 set up camp, and got to the venue around 5:00. We missed the Warren set (which I heard was great) and wandered the lot for most of SCI. I know Warren did 2 songs w/ SCI which I heard was amazing. We just came for Phil this time around.... just relaxed and took it slow that day. 1st set the guys busted out a few ABB songs, (which I always love) Blue Sky was tops :-). China Cat -> Bird Song was fantastic. The Scarlet Begonias was great. We sat in the pavilion row OO middle for the 1st set. We moved up to the lawn to the 2nd set to hand w/ Muadib for the last show we be with him. Plus we had Pavilion the whole way (besides Somerset) so it was good to have some room to move for a change. The 2nd set: Couldn't have asked for anything more! Morning Dew was amazing, Phil's vocals where tops. King Solomon's Marbles was good to hear (not too familiar w/ the song, but Muadib informed me that the Dead had only played it a handful of times). Sugaree was your normal Sugaree P&F jam. Terrapin Station was right on. Nice and long. This song along w/ Scarlet Begonias, China Cat Morning Dew, where the songs I wanted to hear on my little midwest run. Not to mention a very appropriate Stella Blue for the closer of the show, (and my last song of this tour) so I couldn't be happier w/ this nights set list. We camped out that night and spotted the Philzoner #74: ABRAXA365, (which we had scene in in the camp before we left for the show) but he was passed out in his tent spread eagle :-). But in the morning we met each other. Always good to meat a Zoner face to face. We took off mid morning and headed back to Chi. Wow Gas is cheep in Indiana. Hope you all have a good time out east. Till next time....

There is NOTHING (and never will be) like a Grateful Dead show!

Course Phil and Bobby is pretty cool too

ah, deer creek, heard so much about this place..as i rolled into the parking lot it was a downer at first $7 to freakin park in a dusty dirty lot..i sold my extra to a very cool hippie couple pulling their daughter along in a red wagon..she had a magic wand and insisted i check out her glow-in-the-dark bracelet. they didn't even try to talk me down on the price so i gave it to them for $5 less than i was asking..

i gave out alot of garbage bags (handed out 500 this tour) and made some friends then went into the show..

god, this place is fine! it seemed cozy after alpine valley, a perfect size with less steep grades on the green grass hill..SCI was a ton of fun, Warren ripped w/them and they ended their set with a long, hyptnotic jam that was very cool..

during the sci set i went to buy water and i noticed they were taking the bottlecaps when selling them. i told them that this was unsanitary and lame and didn't buy a bottle. and met a very cool lady at a small vending booth that gave me FREE water w/ice the whole show and poured me a strong margerita in a double sized cup before the 2nd set..Jennifer, r you out there? but i digress..

1st set carried over the evnergy from Alpine with a Shakedown st type jam that then ebbed and flowed through a few themes before landing into a sweet Soulshine opener..the China Cat jam was delicious, chunky and funky and things were percolating well..the Blue Sky put the crowd in an even better mood and reminded me once again that Warren is truly a great slide player..

when Scarlet started i went up to the lawn from my reserved seat and danced like mad. there was space to stretch out and you could see and hear perfectly up there..it was such a nice night and a great scene i decided to stay up there for the 2nd set..

morning dew was sweet and put things in a mellow mood before she said kicked it into hard rocking overdrive and got everyone shaking their bones..

Kings Marbles was played with tight precision, Jimmy hitting that weird guitar part so flawlessly you wonder if he's human..what a rhythm workout for everyone..very impressivve..
after that, my energy waned and i just hung out, not sure if the band felt the same probably just me..Terrapin was some powerful stuff..Stella Blue with the Candace doing her light magic sent the crowd out in a thoughtful mood..

ps: 2 things...first, i forgot to say i met Muadib and Gentle Ben and his ladyfriend which was very cool at these shows..and saw Tapecat and Ladycat which was a pleasure indeed..also, i went to Devils Lake but it was fruitless, looked through 1/4 of the 400+ campgrounds, no Zoners so i hit the interstate..that was ok, nice lake and i needed to get off the big highway for a short spell..also, i talked to the dude who got the ticket at Alpine...there's a lesson there: when you 1st get to a show, wait a short spell, maybe 10-15 minutes before you start partying until more cars arrive fill in around you and you aren't out on the perimeter anymore...peace

Sorry U missed us man. We where at Wheelers Camp. Right around the corner from Devil's Lake. Site #71. Maybe next year. Oh and thanks for the show reviews.

aw man, i saw wheelers on the way in and out...they told me at devils lake that it was also sold out..glad you liked the reviews, maybe next year..i know i'll be there, these places and the crowds are much more enjoyable in every way than the big, bad east..

First time at Deer Creek and I loved it. Best Phil vocals I ever heard on Morning Dew. Usually there is at least one line where he makes me cringe but this one was done perfect. The King Solomon's blew my mind.

I wait 4 years to make a post, but this show was my favorite Phil show hands down. The first set was like a ray of Sunshine, and the second set got aq little dark. The Birdsong from the 1st set blew me away 15+ minutes of pure bliss. THe China Cat got very funky (different) and the Scarlet got the whole crowd moving. By the 2nd set I was beat. The Morning Dew was probably the highlight of the second set and is was Worning Dew which was the best I ever heard Phil sing. The Terrapin was ridiculously long, and it was beautifulk being in the lawn and listening to the crowd sing those words. The encore was cool since I had never heard a stella without Jerry singing it. All around a great show